Hey guys, this is Maria Di Cara a.k.a DJ Madi Di; I have been DJing for almost 10 years and have lots of great insights for playing the most appropriate music for your various occasions and events. For this excerpt I will be talking about "WEDDING COCKTAIL HOUR PLAYLISTS"
Everyone wants to set a specific ambiance for the cocktail hour at their wedding, and music helps do just that! Overall, cocktail hour is meant to be a time during your wedding where people socialize and brew excited, positive, happy energy to set the tone for the evening and reception. The following genres are conducive to different emotional reactions. There are dozen of directions that one may choose to go when deciding on music for a cocktail hour.
1) Inviting/Easy Listening Picks: (Sunny, Open, Lovey, Lite):
Colbie Caliat, Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Norah Jones, Christina Perri, John Legend, 'Rude' by Magic, Jason Derulo 'Marry Me', Paramore 'Only Exception', Bruno Mars 'Marry You', and 'One Love' Bob Marley can be thrown in as well for this vibe.
I also love to add covers of people like David Cook singing 'Always Be My Baby'; I love a good cover and it always pleases guests to hear a familiar song in a new way.*I've found this list to work best for all occasions*
2) Motown (Fun, Bouncy, Excited, Lovey):
The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Sam & Dave, 5 Satins, Four Tops, Rick James, Lionel Richie, Commodores etc.
3) R&B (Relaxed, Intrigued, Lovey, Cool, Intimate):
Boys II Men, KC & Jojo, Tyrese, Ginuwine, Joe, Brandy, Monica, Alicia Keys, LL Cool J, Jennifer Lopez, TLC, En Vogue, Usher, R.Kelly, Shai, Jodeci, Dru Hill, Aaliyah, Donell Jones, Jagged Edge, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, etc.
4) Jazz (Smooth, Sensual, Relaxed, Romantic, Moving/Dynamic):
Instrumental Piano Jazz/Lounge Jazz/Smooth Jazz/Portuguese Jazz, Acid Jazz (whatever style fits best for your event) Norah Jones-esk.
5) Old School Hip-Hop (Open, Cool, Ready To Dance, Fun):
Notorious B.I.G., Nas, Fugees, Lauryn Hill, Bell Biv Devoe, Next, Naughty By Nature, Salt n Pepa, Soul for Real
6) Classic (lovey, Dreamy, Romantic, Playful):
Celine Dion, Leann Rimes, Rascal Flatts, Leann Womack, Mariah Carey, Shania Twain, Katharine Mcphee, Jordin Sparks, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood.
All of these are great choices and places to start to set you up for different settings depending on the mood you want to set. Once again making sure that your guests are feeling happy is the number one priority and the music has a huge role in that. For some weddings which are set in a dreamy whimsical theme, such as Gatsby or black tie weddings, a more smooth relaxed jazz sound may fit best. Otherwise, my two most highly recommended playlists would be for choice 1 or 2; they work well for all styles of weddings, and most people tend easily enjoy them. Allin all, every event is unique; and we would love to work with you to create the perfect cocktail hour playlist for your big day.
Thanks so much for reading, and stay tuned for my next blog post!
Scratches & Scribbles!
DJ Madi Di